Planning your next trip to Tokyo and want a rundown of the top spots to enjoy tradition and culture? The city where old meets new is home to many fascinating historical areas and attractions that can transport you back into the time of the Edo era. Here we introduce highlight locations for some of the best cultural experiences in Tokyo.
KABUKIZA THEATRE – Experience Kabuki performances in the Ginza.
Kabuki is a form of Japanese traditional theatre dating back to the 17th century, and the ‘Kabukiza’ theatre, in Tokyo’s fashionable Ginza district is one of the most iconic places to see a performance. English translation is available with headphones as are English language scenario introductions to help explain the plot lines. The wigs, make-up and costumes are something to behold, and the stage itself has many unique features such as trapdoors, revolving platforms and walkways through the audience to facilitate swift change of scenes. ON DEMAND Kabuki will also be available in 9 countries (including Australia) from 1 November 2022 (rates apply) see the trailer free of charge: HERE
Live performance tickets can be purchased for single acts and all tickets generally come on sale the month before. Tickets can be booked at the theatre box office or via telephone: +81(0)3 6745-0888 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (JST)
TAISHAKUTEN SANDO – Explore this old-world street of restaurants and stalls in Shibamata.
One of the few areas of Tokyo untouched by the air raids of World War II, this 200m. long street is one of the city’s best places to experience what Tokyo looked like before the modern era. With a retro feel and nostalgic atmosphere, the shops sell many edible local specialties from wooden old-fashioned shops. Taishakuten-Sando is known to all Japanese as the location for one of Japan’s most popular comic movie series called “Otoko wa Tsurai yo” (It’s Tough Being a Man), which ran from 1969 for 26 years. Local tip: Try the Kusa-dango (Japanese mugwort sticky rice dumpling)
EDO TOKYO OPEN AIR ARCHITECTURAL MUSEUM – Discover Tokyo’s cultural heritage through architecture.
Located in western Tokyo, the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum is an architectural park and cultural centre with centuries-old buildings relocated and preserved on its grounds. You can easily spend hours exploring historical buildings and discover the cultural heritage behind their walls. The current exhibition ‘Edo-Tokyo Museum Collection — Tokyo Through the Ages’ presents the history of Tokyo from the Edo period (1603–1867) using a wealth of documents, materials, and models. The Museum’s 9,000 sqm. permanent exhibition room features life-size reproductions of the Nihonbashi Bridge, a theatre, a newspaper office, and engaging interactive models. The museum also hosts seasonal events that bring traditional Japanese history to life. Check the event calendar for special events and traditional craft demonstrations: HERE.
OLD OKUTAMA ROAD – A historical hike in Tokyo’s west
If you love the outdoors Tokyo has rivers, lakes and mountains and some excellent hiking spots. Known in Japanese as the ‘Okutama Mukashi Michi’ this popular hiking trail, spans the area from Okutama JR Station and Okutama Lake in the mountains of western Tokyo. The historical trail is about 10km long and connects the old ‘Ome-Kaido’ (Ome Highway) from Hikawa area to Ogouchi area of Okutama Town. It takes around 4 hours to complete. The family friendly hike is well-known by locals and especially popular in autumn for the stunning foliage.
OZAWA SHUZO SAKE BREWERY – Tour Tokyo’s oldest Sake Brewery
You can sample sake at bars and restaurants all over Tokyo, but how about going to a sake brewery to see how it is made? There are still 9 sake breweries located in Tokyo, mostly in the countryside on the city’s outskirts. The free tours of Ozawa Shuzo, Tokyo’s oldest brewery founded in 1702, will give you a whole new appreciation of the delicate process involved in fermenting this uniquely Japanese alcoholic beverage. Location : Ome City, Tama Region (western part of Tokyo)
Book a tour (in Japanese language): HERE English tours temporarily suspended due to COVID-19
NEZU SHRINE – Tokyo’s oldest shrine also one of the most photogenic steps from Nezu station
A vermillion torii gate pathway and the tapestry-like hillside of azaleas make the grounds of Nezu-Shrine an ideal photo opportunity. Thought to be 1900 years-old , the site grounds are green with ponds as well as structures of cultural significance. The 300-year-old azalea garden is at its peak late April to early May, when 100 varieties of azaleas bloom into a painting-like explosion of colour. At this time the Bunkyoku Azaela Festival or ‘Tsutsuji Matsuri’ takes place in the Shrine grounds. Expect all the colour and fun of a Tokyo old-school festival, if your timing is good you may see a taiko drumming performance.
Open 6:00am to 5:00pm daily.
